The Northern Mad Dog Wags It’s Tail

The reason Lockhart could bear such enormous debts without crumbling was due to the presence of the Marquis himself. People believed in him because of his reputation, and many were willing to lend him money, patiently waiting for repayment. However, a recent major setback brought about a crisis.

“Father will definitely resolve this matter,” Crave, his son, also believed.

“Marquis Lockhart is dead?”

Unfortunately, due to a famous carriage accident, the situation forced young Crave, as the deceased Marquis’s son, to shoulder the debts, making it less easy for people to trust him, which was quite understandable.

“The man who begged for money, promising to repay it without fail, ended up not paying and died.”

“I heard it was an accident, but it feels suspicious. Was it not a suicide?”

“He had children too, didn’t he?”

“The title of Marquis was inherited by his son.”

“He’s just a young lad barely twenty.”

People doubted what skills this young man had to repay the debts, and fearing they might not receive their money if they waited any longer, they began pressing him to pay back the debts.

“The harvest season is approaching soon. I will definitely fulfill what my father promised,” Crave assured.

Since Crave became the Marquis, he found himself bowing his head more often and facing even more disregard from society. Receiving invitations or getting responses to invitations he sent out became difficult. Rumors spread that if one had dealings with Lockart, they would immediately ask for loans.

“I will certainly repay the money. Please trust me.”

Caught between indifference and contempt, Crave repeated his pleas for trust like a parrot. However, doubts started creeping into his mind about whether he could truly fulfill that trust and repay all the debts on his own.

“What can you offer to believe in you?”

In response to the question thrown at him, he remained silent, and his expression darkened significantly.

“Seeing the young Marquis Lockhart’s recent demeanor, it seems the situation is dire, isn’t it?”

As rumors started to spread, the situation worsened.

“Crave, are you okay these days?”

“Brother, you look serious. If you get any skinnier, sis might use you as a substitute for anchovies in her cooking!”

“How could you say something so harsh!”

“What kind of dish can you make with anchovies?”

“You’re like a baby wild boar. She might turn you into wild boar steak!”

Still, he managed to joke and laugh in front of his family. Though it was difficult to breathe under the scrutinizing gazes, things felt better when he was at home.

“I can endure it. Father endured it for five years, and I haven’t even reached one year yet.”

From some point on, every morning, he found himself repeating those words in front of the mirror, making it a habit.

“Oh, it’s Leon’s friend.”

One day, while walking, he bumped into Leon’s friends.

“What are you all doing these days? Why is everyone gathered in the capital?”

Since they were all from the southern region, it seemed strange for them to be here during this winter.

“Brother, didn’t Leon tell you?”

“We decided to enter the military academy together.”

“Continuing the family legacy, I see.”

“Our energy is abundant, after all.”

“And they say they’ll provide us with money too.”

Seeing them laugh merrily, even the Marquis Lockhart couldn’t help but smile. Just a while ago, he felt a pang of pain as if a hole had been drilled in his heart at the thought of meeting Mr. Debon, who held the most significant debt.

“Having abundant energy might be better. Don’t break things at home for no reason.”

“When did we ever do that? You’re teasing us, brother.”

“You still see us as little kids, huh?”

“Still, Lenny will be disappointed. He always followed us around, and now you guys are going to the military academy.”

As the Marquis spoke, Leom’s friends, who were laughing, exchanged glances with each other.

“What’s going on? Why the looks?”

“Brother, didn’t Leon tell you?”

“That kid also decided to enter the military academy with us.”

“…Really? Why didn’t that kid tell me? It’s the first time I’m hearing this!”

With an exasperated sigh, Crave grumbled.

“Talk to him when you see him.”

After parting ways with the lively group, Crave stood still for a while.

“Ah, this is not the time to be standing around like this. If I’m late, it’ll be a big problem. I owe Mr. Debon the most significant debt, and he’s a punctual person, and also…”

He barely managed to move his legs. Strangely, it didn’t feel like he was walking on the road but rather precariously walking on the edge of a cliff. Fortunately, that day, Mr. Debon had something urgent came up and cancelled the appointment.

“Leon.”

That evening, Crave called for Leon.

“You said you decided to enter the military academy?”

“What? How did you find out?”

“I ran into Philip and the others today.”

“Those kids have loose lips.”

He had intended to surprise him, but Leon seemed disappointed that he was caught.

“Why did you make that decision?”

“Well, it’s not bad. They provide meals and even pay us money. It’s quite beneficial.”

“Oh, so that’s why.”

“Though I’ll be a student at first, once I become a knight, I’ll earn even more.”

Seeing the smiling Leon, Crave found himself at a loss for words for a moment.

Why didn’t Leon tell him something so important? Was it because he didn’t trust him enough?

*

“Even your deceased father couldn’t repay it in five years. How many more years do you think it’ll take for you to do it?”

“I… I’m sorry.”

When Mr. Debon asked again after making another arrangement, the young Marqui’s mind went blank for a moment.

“Do you have any idea how long I can maintain my trust in you?”

“…I apologize.”

Feeling like he was running away, Crave hurriedly left Mr. Debon’s mansion and headed home.

“Crave, what happened? Crave?”

Despite it being mid-winter, Britia was taken aback when she saw the twins drenched in sweat as if it were raining. She rushed to his side.

“What’s wrong? What happened?”

“Tia, I can’t do it.”

His voice struggled to come out.

“I’m not like Father. I can’t resolve this matter.”

“Crave.”

“I can’t be ‘Marquis Lockhart’ anymore, Tia.”

Grasping Britia’s arms, Crave collapsed on the spot.

“Why didn’t I ride in that carriage too? Why didn’t Father and Mother take me with them?”

Britia’s pupils widened. She had thought he looked tired. That’s why she always asked if he was okay, and he would smile and say everything was fine.

“I’m sorry, Crave.”

“What? Why are you crying?”

“I didn’t realize you were struggling this much.”

“Don’t cry! I’m the one who should be crying!”

As the two embraced and sobbed in the hallway, Leon, startled by the sound, rushed out.

“What’s going on? What happened?”

“Leon Lockhart!”

Upon seeing Leon, Crave glanced at him from the corner of his eye with determination.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were going to the military academy?”

“Huh? Why are you crying because of that?”

“I can’t. I can’t do it! Tia, it’s too heavy for me!”

Tears streamed down Crave’s eyes.

“I’m just a mere twenty-year-old, a naive young lad! I’m not like Father, who could accomplish anything!”

But then, to think that even Father couldn’t resolve this and left… Crave sobbed aloud.

“I can’t do it anymore. I’ll also go to Father’s side.”

“I understand.”

Wiping away tears with her hand, Britia nodded.

“Stop it, silly! What do you mean by ‘I understand’?”

“I will become Marquis Rockheart.”

“What?”

“If you find it too difficult, then I will do it.”

Britia managed to hold back her tears and smiled. Crave pursed his lips and suddenly burst into anger.

“Do you think that’s an easy thing to do? Everyone will be demanding things from you… your resolve will easily waver too.”

“Then next, Leon will become Marquis Lockhart.”

“Huh?”

Leon was taken aback, his eyes widening.

“If you also find it too difficult, there’s no other choice. You’ll be Marquis Lockhart again.”

“Do you think being a Marquis is like taking turns for meal duties?”

Saying something absurd, Crave tried to push Britia away.

“By doing that, when will we ever repay our debts!”

“It’s alright. We’re still young. We have time.”

With a confident voice, Britia embraced the weary Crave.

“You don’t have to do everything just like Father. There are three of us. If the three of us do as much as Father, it’ll be enough.”

At that moment, Crave was annoyed by how impressive his twin sister, who was born just ten minutes later than him, appeared to be in such a situation.

“Leon, so why didn’t you tell us you were going to the military academy?”

The three Lockhart siblings, having eaten a full dinner prepared by Biritia, gathered around the fireplace.

“To surprise you.”

“You, you rascal. You should have told us about something that important! You startled me!”

“I did it to surprise you.”

Grumbling at his mischievous brother, Crave mumbled.

“When did you want to become a knight?”

Britia asked, and Leon searched his memories, rolling his eyes.

“When I used to roam outside the house, I met some knights. They seemed cool. If you become strong, you won’t lose in a fight, right?”

“We must have raised you wrong, Tia. We should have stopped you from getting into so many fights back then.”

“I’ll become an incredibly strong knight.”

The notion of becoming an incredibly strong knight sounded more foolish than impressive to Crave, who commented with a jab.

“If I become that strong, and if our debts become insurmountable, and someone comes to kill us, I’ll shoulder both of you and run away.”

“We must have raised you well, Tia. You seem very reliable.”

“Lenny, is that why you want to become a knight?”

Surprised by Britia’s wide eyes, Leon let out a sigh.

“If it’s not me, who will protect our cry baby sister and our sardine-loving brother?”

“Who’s the sardine lover?”

“Who’s the crybaby?”

Both twins blurted out almost simultaneously, making Leon burst into laughter.

“So, how will the three Lockhart’s plan work? It’s based on the order of our births, right?”

“In that case, from tomorrow, I’ll be Marquis Lockhart. Where should I start?”

As Britia pondered deeply, Crave clapped his hands.

“Who said I’m handing over my title?”

“You said it’s too hard. Being Marquis Lockhart.”

“Now that I think about it, I might still be able to handle it a bit longer.”

Crave leaned on one of Leon’s shoulders, looking dignified.

“You cried so much for nothing? You don’t have to endure. I’ll do it.”

“If I hand it over too quickly, it feels like my turn will come back soon.”

“What? You think I’ll endure for a long time?”

Britia pouted, leaning on Leon’s other shoulder.

“Listen, can’t the Marquis also hold a position as a knight? If that’s possible, then I’m fine with it.”

“Can it be done?”

“Who cares about such things? Ah, these kids, wanting to be a Marquis!”

As expected, the Crave snorted with amusement at the idea he had to handle it all.

The three Lockharts’ plan continued, but since then, the Lockhart Marquis remained unchanged. Although there were those who advised them to sell the estate and repay their debts, Crave did not do so. Instead, he cultivated the vast lands that were lying idle, increasing the harvest several times over. He even brought in grape varieties not grown in the Empire to make wine and sell it.

Thanks to these efforts, the debts decreased faster than expected, and they were able to hire servants and staff again. Compared to the prosperity of the Lockhart estate ten years ago, they still had a ways to go, but the Lockhart siblings had achieved something.

…

“That’s right, the Lockhart are nothing but those beggar-like riff raff wandering around!”

Nobody had ever asked for handouts. They had worked so hard to pay off those debts.

“Marcus-nim.”

Britia clenched her fist and stood up from her seat. She could no longer tolerate his rudeness.